Precinct Properties wins fast-track draft decision for twin-tower Auckland skyscrapers

The tallest of the two towers will rise even higher than the 187m stalled Seascape apartment development.

Towers of 55 and 45 levels are proposed.

An artist’s impression of the new buildings proposed on the site of the Auckland Downtown Carpark. Photo / Precinct Properties

Under the act, an expert panel must invite feedback on its draft decision, including any draft conditions from the Minister for Māori Crown Relations and the Minister for Māori Development.

A 92-page draft decision was also released today.

The panel, chaired by Kitt Littlejohn, made the draft determination with conditions.

The fast-track panel was chaired by Kitt Littlejohn. Photo / Michael Craig

The panel cited differences in opinion about the proposed towers.

Its draft determination said it had attempted to provide preliminary reasons for its approach to the draft conditions “where the conditioning outcomes sought were disagreed as between the applicant and other parties, including the [Auckland] Council and Auckland Transport”, the draft decision said.

“This involved identifying the material unresolved conditional issues/approaches rather than going through every drafting difference with a fine-tooth comb.

Precinct’s scheme is for a 222.5m high tower, a block from the waterfront.

“Parties should not feel constrained in the comments they make on the panel’s draft conditions, but are nonetheless requested to take into account the panel’s preliminary findings on the material condition issues in dispute,” today’s draft determination said.

Opposition has been reported.

BusinessDesk reported how the proposed height of the buildings was central to criticisms from council planners in a 132-page memorandum filed with the fast-track panel on May 7 and published online.

A render of the towers Precinct Properties plans for the Downtown Carpark site, from the company’s fast-track application.

“The proposal fails … owing to the proposed tower heights representing inappropriate development that does not preserve the natural character of the coastal environment to meet the [Resource Management Act]’s purpose,” planners wrote.

Precinct’s scheme is for a 222.5m high tower, a block from the waterfront.

Architects Warren & Mahoney showed this design for Precinct Properties’ two soaring new towers on the site of the Downtown Carpark site in Auckland CBD. Precinct said Warren & Mahoney and Oslo-headquartered architects Snohetta had designed the development.

It planned the scheme with Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, on the Downtown Carpark.

The scheme was a successful application, included in the new Fast-track Approvals Act 2024, passed before Christmas.

The towers are to rise on the Downtown Carpark site, which Precinct bought from Auckland Council’s Eke Panuku for $122 million.

This is an extension of Precinct’s $300m-plus residential push.

Te Pūmanawa Downtown West

By Precinct Properties with Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei.To rise on the Downtown Carpark, Fanshawe St.Tower one, 55 levels or 227m high.Tower two, 45 levels or 162m high.Site bounded by Fanshawe St, Lower Hobson St.Opposite the Tepid Baths.62,500sq m office space.51,000sq m of residential gross floor area.300 to 350 apartments.2500sq m of retail and hospitality.3300sq m of new public space.Five-level basement for 613 carparks.Only for apartment and office owners/tenants.No more cheap Downtown car parking, as it is now.Links to podium areas of Aon House and HSBC Building to enable connection and access through the block.

Anne Gibson has been the Herald’s property editor for 26 years, written books and covered property extensively here and overseas.

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